Sasha Masakowski has a varied career as an artist in New Orleans and a vocalist touring the globe. Today, TVD presents the world premiere of the first video off her new album, Art Market, which will be in stores on Friday, June 8 on Ropeadope Records.
The album title is a reference to street markets, the ubiquitous collections of shops and stands that are omnipresent around the world. Like the unique offerings in street markets, “each song is its own little universe, really. Each part is there with intention,” says Masakowski.
“Jockamo/Candy” is a case in point. It’s a fascinating remix of sorts of a tune that is seared into the musical memory of every New Orleanian and most likely most Americans of a certain age. Best known as “Iko, Iko” from the timeless recording by the Dixie Cups, it was originally released by James “Sugarboy” Crawford as “Joc-A-Mo” in 1954. Masakowski wrote her own original lyrics creating a new classic version of a song, which has had numerous iterations over the years.
Art Market is a collection of tunes representing various facets of Masakowski’s eclectic career. There is edgy electronic art-rock reflecting her work with guitarist Cliff Hines in the group Hildegard. Lighthearted swing and elegant modern jazz reference the early phases of her career as the daughter of New Orleans jazz guitar giant Steve Masakowski.
The musicians on the album also reflect her musical exploration and experimentation during her development as an artist. Pianist David Torkanowsky, a peer of her father’s, is featured along with her dad. But most of the musicians on the recording are her contemporaries including Hines, her brother, bassist Martin Masakowski, and drummer Simon Lott. Keyboardist Jason Lindner also makes major contributions on synthesizer and synth bass.
Sasha Masakowski will be playing various clubs and venues in Denmark at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in July. She plays the SF Jazz Center and the Detroit Jazz Festival in August.
